Choosing an eco-friendly material for your construction projects is becoming more and more important. This is because construction plays a significant role in climate change, affecting air, water, and noise pollution. Luckily, finding sustainable options is not as difficult as you may think—Ipe deck boards are just one fantastic example.
The environmental benefits of choosing Ipe deck boards as your decking material
- Ethical logging
One main concern about using wood materials for construction is that they may contribute to illegal logging. This, in turn, can lead to deforestation, loss of biodiversity, and climate change.
Thankfully, Ipe wood suppliers recognize the harmful effects of illegal logging. As a result, they make sure to harvest logs sustainably, only gathering a few logs per acre each year. This process protects the trees from suffering too much damage, allowing them to regenerate every 10 to 15 years. In addition Ethical suppliers will all adhear to the US Lacey Act outlines restrictions on gray or black market wood.
- Naturally resistant properties
It’s essential to use a material with sustainable origins and ensure that it doesn’t require any toxic maintenance chemicals. Ipe wood requires very little maintenance and has a natural resistance to elements like water, fire, and pests.
Because of this, you don’t need to expose yourself to harmful chemicals to remove stains or signs of damage from your deck. Moreover, Ipe decks only need to be stained every few years to maintain their color.
- Long-lasting durability
Lastly, Ipe wood is one of the most durable decking materials available. It is significantly stronger than mahogany, cedar, teak, and other wood alternatives, boasting a rating of 3680 on the Janka Hardness Scale.
Thanks to their unrivaled strength, Ipe decks can last for 50 years or more, eliminating the need for costly repairs and replacements.
You don’t have to worry about the environmental effects of Ipe deck boards. However, if you want to ensure that your Ipe wood is sourced sustainably, work with a supplier that offers FSC-certified materials.